Georgian Youth in Türkiye: “Humanity is No Borders”

From 22–29 October 2024, a group of young people from Georgia, Romania, and Türkiye gathered in Mersin, Türkiye, to take part in the Erasmus+ youth exchange project “Humanity is No Borders.” Georgia was proud to be a partner in this meaningful initiative, which placed a spotlight on the voices and experiences of refugee women.

Why This Project Matters

In recent years, millions of people have been displaced around the world. While the refugee debate often focuses on numbers, policies, and borders, the human stories behind forced migration are too often forgotten. Even more invisible are the experiences of refugee women, who face not only the trauma of displacement but also additional layers of vulnerability, discrimination, and gender-based violence.

This project was designed to change that narrative. By engaging young participants, we aimed to challenge stereotypes, build empathy, and raise awareness about the urgent need for a gender-sensitive approach to refugee issues.

What We Did

During the exchange, participants engaged in a variety of interactive workshops, debates, role-plays, and cultural activities. These activities encouraged them to:

• Explore the meaning of “refugee” beyond labels and generalizations.

• Understand that forced migration can happen to anyone.

• Reflect on women’s rights and gender equality in the context of displacement.

• Compare policies on refugee protection in different countries.

• Discuss how societies can reduce racism, xenophobia, and discrimination.

The exchange also created a safe space where young people from different backgrounds could share experiences, exchange perspectives, and build lasting friendships.

Our Takeaway

For the Georgian team, “Humanity is No Borders” was not only an educational project but also a transformative personal experience. Participants returned home with stronger awareness of refugee issues, a deeper commitment to defending human rights, and a belief that young people have the power to shape a more inclusive and empathetic society.

This project reminded us that refugees are not statistics – they are people with dreams, challenges, and dignity. And when it comes to humanity, indeed, there are no borders.